Cueto Dominates Twins in Loss

CINCINNATI, OH -- After a June swoon in which they went 11-17, the Minnesota Twins' struggles continued today as the July portion of their schedule opened up with a 2-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Johnny Cueto was dominant on the mound for the Reds, holding the Twins to only one run on four hits through eight innings.

Twins starter Trevor May had a good outing, allowing only two runs (one earned) through six-plus innings of work but was saddled with the hard-luck loss.

Cincinnati speedster Billy Hamilton was again a big factor in this game, as he scored what would end up being the deciding run on an errant throw by Twins catcher Chris Herrmann in the fifth inning. Hamilton later ended the game on a diving catch that robbed a would-be extra base hit by Torii Hunter.

With the loss, Minnesota drops to 41-37 on the season and five games out of first in the A.L. Central Division.

The Twins will travel to Kansas City to start a weekend series against the first-place Royals tomorrow night.